I recently came across a video of a soldier singing acapella in the Library of Congress that has captured my thoughts in an unexpected way. I’ve probably watched it ten times now and will likely watch it ten more. I don’t know why it arrested my contemplations so forcefully, and now, the song is stuck in my head and I am so glad it is.
Maybe it’s a discovered gem amid the turmoil all around us. Perhaps it was just the beauty of the moment. It might be the peacefulness he exudes as he shares his gift with his fellow soldiers. It could even be my own longing for something... anything... completely apolitical. His voice was stunning. The lyrics reverberated in my heart. I’m still trying to wrap my head around why I was so moved by it, but what I do know is that it was some much-needed reprieve from a world asunder.
Here is the link to the video, and after seeing the full lyrics to the song, decided I had to share.
I am a poor wayfaring stranger
While traveling through this world below
There is no sickness, toil, no danger
In that bright world to which I go
I know dark clouds will gather over me
I know my pathway is rough and steep
But golden fields here lie out before me
Where weary eyes no more shall weep
I'm going there to see my Father
I'm going there no more to roam
I am just going over Jordan
I am just going over home
I'll soon be free from every trial
And this form will rest beneath the sod
I'll drop the cross of self-denial
And enter in my home with God
I'm going there to see my Savior
Who shed for me His precious blood
I am just going over Jordan
I am just going over home
I'm going there to see my Father
I'm going there no more to roam
I am just going over Jordan
I am just going over home
I am just going over home
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